Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG

Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) is a specialty practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focused on personalized, whole‑person care. Members apply integrative and functional nutrition therapies by combining whole foods, targeted supplements and lifestyle strategies to promote optimal health, resilience and long‑term healing.

Professional Development and Education

Natural Medicines Database (NatMed Pro)

Community and Collaboration

Awards and Stipends

Mind-Body RDN Subgroup

Student Membership

For more than a decade, I’ve been inspired by the incredible people who make this group so special — curious minds, compassionate hearts, and a shared commitment to science and healing at the root. You are my professional home.

Manju Karkare, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, FAND

DIFM has been a place where I have never felt alone in my curiosity. I value the networking, sharing ideas, and learning research that shapes practice. This community has supported me through many seasons of my career.

Kimberly Zeender Christy, MPH, RDN, LD, CLC

DIFM is the future of dietetic practice. Our members understand the uniqueness of each individual and engage in assessment and treatment that make personalized nutrition care real. The warmth and caring that members show toward each other is special.

Linda Lockett Brown, RDN, LDN

DIFM DPG Events

Virtual Symposium

2026 DIFM Virtual Symposium - Metabolic Health as a Driver of Disease: A Spotlight on Autoimmunity, Cancer, and Immune Resilience

Emerging evidence links immune dysregulation, cancer and autoimmunity to metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic and mitochondrial health, gut microbiota and nutrition play central roles in immune resilience, disease prevention and a paradigm shift toward the metabolic theory of cancer.

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Virtual Symposium

2025 Symposium: Root Cause Revolution: Toxicity and Functional Nutrition Solutions

The 2025 DIFM DPG Virtual Spring Symposium explores the link between environmental toxins and chronic health issues, highlighting functional nutrition solutions. Experts discuss tailored dietary strategies for detoxification, metabolic dysfunction and supporting key organs and balancing hormones.

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DIFM DPG Highlights

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Executive Leadership Team

Name	Position
Holly A. Van Poots, RDN, CSP, FAND	Chair
Manjushree Karkare, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, FAND	Chair-elect
Sarah E. Howell, RD	Past Chair
Dr. Claudia V. Sealey-Potts, PhD, RD, LD, FAND	Secretary
Paulina Ven-Sum Lee, MSHS, RD, LD	Treasurer
Christina V. Barth, MS, RYT, RDN	Nominating Committee Chair
Nadine S. Braunstein, PhD, RD, LDN, FAND	DPG HOD Delegate

Membership questions? We're here to help

Our Member Service Center offers prompt support for questions on membership, benefits, products, services or any other dietetics-related topics. Call or email us for personalized assistance. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Central time).

Phone: 800-877-1600, Option 1
International Phone: +1-312-899-0040, Option 1
Email: DPGMIGrelations@eatright.org

Video

Membership Video

What do integrative and functional dietitians do?

One dietitian can change a life. DIFM transforms how we think about nutrition. We are Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, making the world healthier one relationship at a time.

Play Video

Membership Video

What do integrative and functional dietitians do?

One dietitian can change a life. DIFM transforms how we think about nutrition. We are Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, making the world healthier one relationship at a time.